Inflammatory Arthritis, Sometimes i wish i wasn't alive!

elnafinn

I wonder what strength of Ibuprufen you have been prescribed. Sorry I did not realise that this is an anti inflam as well as a painkiller. I have always been prescribed two kinds of meds, one for pain and one for inflammation.

I do hope your day has improved.

Elna x

traluvie

Just checking to see how you are..

Hope your day was a bit better..

frogmorton

Hi Rhys

I wonder if your day turned out any better?

Have you tried using the ibuprofen gel intsead? I also find an ice pack helps reduce the swelling for me if you haven't tried it. By teh way you can get ibuprofen in liquids for kids an adults (useful when people have bad throats) called neurofen l think.

Elizabeth is right - when you have seen the rheumatologist and got the right kind of meds thinks will start to get better for you.

Love and hope you feel better tonight

Toni xx

Rhyscous

Hello guys, no i didnt manage to get out today, even with me taking 2 ibuprofen every 4 hours it still wasent enough to control the abnormal swelling and pain, its become beyond a joke now, And i have also tryed the gel, but unfortunatly it didnt do the slightest thing to my foot, I cant explain how swollen my foot actually gets, nothing can seem to take away the swelling or pain, my mother works at the hospital so shes trying her best to get me up the list to see the Rhuemeotologist faster. Id also like to say thanks again for caring and understanding, Today has really been awful and its so nice to speak to people who know how i feel.

Rhys x

traluvie

Hi Rhys,

Sorry to hear your day has not got better..
Once you are on the right meds though i am hopeful you will feel better soon..i know it's horrible waiting, but were here to support you in the meantime.. lets hope your appointment is very soon..

dopeykit

Hi Rhyscous,

Sorry to hear your foot has been bad again today and that you have been having so much pain with it for so long.

It's rubbish feeling like you are missing out on stuff - I started with arthritis when I was 17 (28 now) although it took a long time for me to get a proper diagnosis and I always felt like everyone else was out having fun whilst I was stuck inside. I still do sometimes but I try and distract myself and not think about it too much when I'm in pain - it sounds a bit silly but it helps to try and do something I enjoy and maybe phone or email my friends. They are all really good and coming over to see me sometimes too which makes a big difference. I also try and do some exercise everyday, even when I'm having a bad patch, I just don't use the joints that hurt. It cheers me up and means when I'm feeling better I'm fit enough to get on with things. I have an exercise bike and gym ball at home and I do the exercises the physio gave me or play on the wii fit! I try and get outside a bit too - even if its just sitting in the garden as that seems to make me feel a bit better.

You could try telling your mates you are feeling a bit bored. It might feel a bit odd but they might not understand how you are feeling. I've learnt to tell people about my arthritis and it makes everything easier. It really is just part of me now - when the meds are working I can do pretty much everything I want to and that includes playing sport and going out.

The rheumatologist should be able to really help sort out your pain and get you out and about again. Depending on what the cause is, there are loads of good medications to help and they can get you to see a physio so you can get back to sport. In fact, after I had an operation on my hip, I got to do a load of rehab with pro footballers. Totally wasted on me - I didnt know who anyone was - but by the end of it I was really fit again.

It might be worth you going to see the GP again though to help you find some better pain relief whilst you are waiting and maybe help hurry the rheummy appointment up.

I hope things get better for you and you have a better day tomorrow. At least it's raining so no-one is having much fun

Kit

Rhyscous

Another thing that makes me sad alot is i think "What if", When i was about 11 i was recruited for Southend United Football Club Academy, And i always think, if i didnt have this, Where would i be now? I know you guys understand, Its nice knowing people check up on you, im now addicted to this forum and have found alot, I also forgot to mention That the surgeon i saw said that my foot was out of shape, as ive been walking with pain on it for so long ive obviously walked on it funny and as ive been growing its grown into a funny position, which im sure adds to the pain.

elnafinn

Hi Rhys

I am sure your mum must be so very worried and upset for you. I know I was when my son was about your age and had really bad acne, it broke my heart to see him so unhappy. He met his first girlfriend during this period and she is now his partner of 14 years and they have a little girl who will be three soon. Things will get better, honestly. Of course your mum will be doing her best to get you an earlier appointment with the Rheumy. Perhaps if you also started to "pester" your GP he may be able to pull some strings for you to get an earlier appointment as well. Do you get on with your GP? Have you phoned the hospital to put your name down for any cancellations, if you could attend an appointment at short notice?

Elna x

elnafinn

Rhyscous wrote:

Another thing that makes me sad alot is i think "What if", When i was about 11 i was recruited for Southend United Football Club Academy, And i always think, if i didnt have this, Where would i be now? I know you guys understand, Its nice knowing people check up on you, im now addicted to this forum and have found alot, I also forgot to mention That the surgeon i saw said that my foot was out of shape, as ive been walking with pain on it for so long ive obviously walked on it funny and as ive been growing its grown into a funny position, which im sure adds to the pain.

Good for you, Rhys, for being recruited for the Southend UFCA when you were younger. I suppose it is best to try not to think too much about "what if". We can all beat ourselves up by thinking that. Believe it or not, when one door shuts another one opens, maybe not immediately but it will. Did the surgeon mention what could be done about your foot?

Look after yourself,

Elna x

Rhyscous

elnafinn wrote:

Rhyscous wrote:

Another thing that makes me sad alot is i think "What if", When i was about 11 i was recruited for Southend United Football Club Academy, And i always think, if i didnt have this, Where would i be now? I know you guys understand, Its nice knowing people check up on you, im now addicted to this forum and have found alot, I also forgot to mention That the surgeon i saw said that my foot was out of shape, as ive been walking with pain on it for so long ive obviously walked on it funny and as ive been growing its grown into a funny position, which im sure adds to the pain.

Good for you, Rhys, for being recruited for the Southend UFCA when you were younger. I suppose it is best to try not to think too much about "what if". We can all beat ourselves up by thinking that. Believe it or not, when one door shuts another one opens, maybe not immediately but it will. Did the surgeon mention what could be done about your foot?

Look after yourself,

Elna x

No the surgeon was quite rude really, we drove an hour up there, he came on told me i had arthritis and said we'll hear from our GP soon, he seemed to be in a rush and didnt seem to show much care about me, But i guess thats just busy doctors, I saw a pediatrician (However its spelt) Who done a few movements, my foot cant physically move left and right, its gotten so stiff, so now im waiting for a referal to come through for the Rhumey, Also i missed the last 7 months of my last year at school, just finished all my GCSE's

Rhys x

elnafinn

Hi Rhys

I am sorry to hear that the surgeon was dismissive and seemed to want to rush you out the door. Unfortunately, this is another thing that quite a few of us find with surgeons/consultants.You are not alone there. Not many of them it would seem have a good bedside manner although they may be excellent at performing operations etc. When you get used to seeing these medics and learn more about your arthritis, difficult though it is sometimes, you will stand your ground, not let them rush you and ask questions, that you expect to be answered in a way that you understand and if not, say so. Keep reminding yourself, you are an important person, you are keeping these medics in a job, you are young,with your whole life ahead of you, you need help, so listen up! Does your mum accompany you to appointments or do you prefer to go in alone. It is better to have someone with you as they remember what you may not, and ask questions, that you may forget to ask. It is a good idea to go armed with a list of things written down that you want to ask.

It may be a good idea if you keep a diary of how you feel each day, good for you to write it down and gives the medics more idea of how you are being affected. If the foot is more swollen some days than others, a few photos is a good idea, to show the medic.

Bye for now,
Elna x

elnafinn

Good morning Rhys

I hope today is a brighter one for you. The weather here certainly is certainly more cheerful than yesterday. I am off to Brighton shortly to find our son and bicycle and bring him back. He is doing the London to Brighton cycle ride. 8)

Take care
Elna x

TheOnlyKey

I remember the force of mega inflammation in my right foot. My GP pushed his thumb into the top of the swelling about an inch. It left an indent that stayed there for an hour or so. Where all the fluid was pushed from that area and took its time to reshape. Anti-inflammatory and painkillers were not any help for me either. I waited over a month for my rheumatologist appointment. Was there for about 10 minutes then had the steroid injection in my backside. A Few weeks or so later I was doing the moon walk to Michael Jackson’s thriller. I Don’t want to say that it will be fine for you because everyone is different and I don’t know. But I do want to give you hope. I hope you know what I mean by that.

I have a flair up in my Left shoulder at the minute and it kills. GP just put me onto Indometacin (Anti-inflammatory) and Omeprazole (Anti please don’t give me stomach ulcers because I will have to stop anti-inflammatory drugs to get rid of the ulcers and that will make things a lot worse…Drug) Because the pain will stop me from working he said by next Friday if pain persists he will inject steroids in my left shoulder to get things under control. As I advise to you. I don’t just presume everything will be fine but I have hope there is a good chance it will.

All the best.

Tok

P.S. Don’t you hate it when you write a comment then notice that you are on page 2 of 3 and the conversation has moved on? I am a tool I know but I’m still posting it !!!

frogmorton

Hi Rhys

just checking in to see how you are today.

You were a bit of a boy star then at football?? I am well-impressed.

Once you DO get some half-decent meds (and you WILL) things will improve....and you will do something with your life.

It is hard to conentrate on exams when you are in agony....do you think you did ok at your GCSEs??? What do you think you would like to do when you leave school?

Thank goodness your Mum is on the ball - maybe she can actually beg you a place further up the queue....brilliant use your contacst if you have them

Once you have some real help and TOK is right there a steroid jab can be brilliant and very effective. (Hi TOk and welcome )

you take care

Love

Toni xx

Rhyscous

Hello guys, My foot is feeling abit better today, i can walk on it now but have to take it easy. My step-dad said that this steroid jab may not work on all people? Am i correct in saying that? Im praying that i do get this jab as it seems that it helps alot of people. As for my GCSE's i thought i done ok really, But ill find out my results soon, Im hoping to do a Business and Management course at college, (As i cant do anything physical), i was thinking once ive had some treatment to start going to the gym to keep fit, as i feel in myself very unfit and unhappy, ive been to the gym once and i hurt my foot real bad as you have to still use your feet to put pressure on, Hoping you are all ok today aswell

Rhys x

dopeykit

Hi Rhys,

That's great it is feeling a bit better today.

Steroid jabs do work differently for different people but they tend to be pretty effective if put in the right place. Sometimes it can feel a bit worse afterwards for a short while and then gets better - other times it's almost instant. I've had a good few in my hips or feet and most of them have worked pretty well so fingers crossed for you!

There is some good info about them here:
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_drugs__medication/local_steroid_injections.aspx

The steroid jabs in the bum are for all your joints and they are pretty good too. I had one last week for a big flare up and am feeling much better (although not quite moonwalking like Tok!).

If you are into the gym, is there a trainer you could see there? They could maybe give you some exercises that don't use your feet. They often like having to come up with plans for people with interesting challenges Definitely worth seeing an expert or physio when you do start moving around a bit more so they can help you get your strength back, mend your foot and make sure you don't injure it again. Sometimes there are even classes at the hospital you can go to with other young people. I used to go for one for backs and it was great - hard work but fun.

Have a good day!

Kit

stickywicket

Glad you’re feeling a bit better today.

Steroid jabs of both kinds work better for some than others. I’ve always had great results.

As for the gym – my local authority one were very good at demonstrating the machines they thought I might be able to use and helping me to use them. Not all machines require the use of feet.

Rhyscous

thank you for that link, my mum was wondering if they do the steroid jabs on 16 year olds?

Rhys x

traluvie

Morning Rhys..

Well afternoon.. i just come round lol..
Glad your feeling a bit better today..
Steroid jab works well with me i hope they can find something to give you some benefit soon.. You will get there..
What your plans for today then??
Looks like i'm playing monopoly with my son again. played it for hours yesterday lol..

dopeykit

Hi Rhys,

They do give steroid jabs to 16 year olds ( I had my first younger than that!) but they will have to decide whether it is the right treatment for you first.

Have a good afternoon

Kit

frogmorton

Hi Rhys

so very pleased things are improving a little bit....

steroid jabs dont work for everyone l agree, but you deserve a break

I hope the GCSEs went well - not too long to wait? end of August??

Sensible choice of course in the circumstances.....have you considered swimming? l go as often as possible.

Love

Toni xxx

MissKat

Hi Rhys,

Welcome to our little club Only just picked up this thread and wanted to say hello...

I too have been recently diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. I know exactly how you are feeling. I thought I was young at 29, but sweet sixteen is really tough, so sorry to hear all your troubles over the last few years. You really have been through a great deal already and then to be diagnosed with Arthur... that must have been a huge shock... yet a little relief in actually knowing what's up, and where to go from here.

This forum is a fab little place to come and chat anytime you're feeling down, everyone on here are always ready to lend an ear as the last 4 pages of posts show!

The last 6 months since my diagnosis have been a roller coaster of emotions, but my last appointment with my consultant was really good - I'm now settled into my meds which seem to be working at controlling the swelling pain, so I don't have to go back for 6 months... and he said I can now do light exercise which was the best news so far I used to be a super sporty person so I was so upset when the Arthur kicked in and stopped me joining in all the activities I was used to doing... and coming to terms with that (and Arthur in general!) was one of the hardest things I had to do.

Admittedly the pain and swelling hasn't completely gone away, and there are good days and bad days... but all in all, I think I'm finally coming to terms with this beast

Thinking of you, MissKat

Rhyscous

Thank you for your replies, I was wondering if any of you had any tips with how to keep my foot when im in bed, because my foot seems to be based on how well i sleep on it, Thank you all once again knowing i can talk to people has really helped

Rhys xx

skezier

Hi Rhys,

I am late here I am afraid but glad things are getting a bit easier today.

Like you i had the oa in my teens and the feet have been a problem fr a very long time. I used to find, before surgery, strapping them up helped but when the swell they can hurt more as mine would swell up overnight quite badly.

I have to say its hard lie you say cus your mates are out having fun while you can't really join them but it gets easier and with a bit of luck the medical side will help you more as well.

You hang in there ad I so hope tomorrow will be an easier day fro you. Nice to meet you Cris x

elnafinn

Rhyscous wrote:

Thank you for your replies, I was wondering if any of you had any tips with how to keep my foot when im in bed, because my foot seems to be based on how well i sleep on it, Thank you all once again knowing i can talk to people has really helped Rhys xx

Hi Rhys

How are you doing today? Not toooo bad, I hope. Cannot really reply to your question because I do not know exactly what you mean. Would it make any difference with a pillow under your foot? Or a pillow between both feet if you sleep on your side? Perhaps the rheumy can give you a med to aid sleep if you mention this when you see him.

Be good!

Elna x